Performance Days

Tuesday19th May

We cleared all personal belongings into a room to the side of the studio. Following this, we then Safety Checked the site to ensure that every connection was secured, thus preventing any possible injuries. The large blue cable at the side of the stage was moved out of the way; and we were all careful when exiting and entering the stage to not to trip over it. We all sorted through the props and the alternate costume pieces, to ensure that they were in the correct place for each scene. Once we were all in costume, we ran and re-ran the performance with varying degrees of tech. At various stages throughout the day, myself and other performers would  have to adjust the curtains as they continued to separate with use. We tried to secure the crash mat using strong tape but when the mat was used, the corners of the mat lifted up and pulled the tape away. In the end, we decided that it was easier to keep moving the mat back into place throughout the performance. 
Responding to the feedback we have received from the previous weeks, we completely cut the crowd and the chorus from my group's scene. 
We changed one of the gags for a couple of reasons, the primary reason being it was too hard to access a suitable magazine and so we used a pop CD instead. In my opinion, the gag lost some of its meaning.However, this was a College performance and we had certain guidelines to follow.

The performance itself went really well,we improvised some minor interactions with the audience whilst they were waiting outside, all in character. For example, I wandered off and started to talk to a group of people and the other two soldiers came and dragged me back into the theatre.
Moreover, there were a few issues during the actual performance, which the cast worked around. For instance, the music for the Grease number started too soon and cut a small part from one performers scene but the rest of the cast went ahead as usual.
Also, my mask was broken off stage, fortunately there was only one more scene where I had to wear it. I was able to hold it on and make it look like part of the character.
The trolley for 'the cripples' entrance was a Health and Safety issue that I did not anticipate, it was still on stage for the epilogue  and while we were weaving in and around each other, it was in my way and I knocked it into another performers shin.  In rehearsals this piece of equipment was always removed from the stage between scenes. the jug of 'alcohol' was passed on at the right time but there was nobody there to take it off me as I passed it through the curtain and I ended up just putting it on the floor at the bottom of the curtain. Someone did pick it up, and thus avoided an accident. The CD I was supposed to bring onto the stage, was left on top of the piano but we improvised and managed to keep the scene going.

Wednesday 20th May

We began by placing all personal belongings into the room we had used the previous day. We then cleared the set of any non-essential items and we talked through any problems that we had the previous night. We also ran through the performance with two further rehearsals. This performance was not flawless, as mistakes were made despite our efforts. the trolley was still left on stage, I could not find the gap in the curtain to put the jug on stage 

Risk Assessment

Wearing the masks affects  your ability to see clearly, add to this is the darkened set has the potential for injuries. To prevent this we will rehearse using the masks. The size and shape of the nose on my mask affects the way that I will fall; to prevent injury I will have to turn when falling or I will be injured.

In this piece we have many tumbles, flips and falls. To decrease the risks, we will use a crash mat and rehearse these stunts with great care. We must focus on timings and physical body shape. We are also sourcing clothing that does not hinder our movements.

In our scene we are using a large hammer and a slate nail. As these are not replicas, there is potential for accidents so we must be extra vigilant to not hit or injury anyone with these objects.

The large blue cable running along the stage left is a potential trip hazard, so if possible we will move it out of the way or be made aware of it. Other objects left of the stage, may also be a trip hazard; so any personal objects must stored off stage.

The influences for our scenes.

In the process of creating our scene, the influences of things like 'The Life of Brian' guided us in our improvisations, as well as slapstick comedy duos and trios like the 'The Chuckle Brothers' and the 'The Three Stooges'. Personally, 'Black Adder' had a great  influence on how I worked on the scene, the way that every character is slightly mad and stupid and characters of a higher status would openly hit someone of lower status for very minor reasons

Research into the source material

The scene we are performing is based on a verse from Matthew Chapter 27 verses 35 and 36; " When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. And sitting down, they kept watch over him there". This is the only reference that we could find in relation to the gambling which took place and it does not tell us much; so we are free to interpret it without worrying about being disrespectful of the original scripture. Further information on our interpretation of the events can be found in the rehearsal section.

Character development for "The fool beneath the cross laying a wager"

I have discussed  in later posts about the creation of the physicalities of all the characters but the physicality is generally that of the commedia  archetypes. We discussed as a group which stock character fit each role, from there we improvised using the text and our preconceptions of military behaviour as a stimulus to create the three soldiers that are appear in our scene, the text itself does not reflect military. Through our research into Dario Fo we have interpreted his style of ridiculing people in power and the way he pokes fun at people, who blindly follow without questioning orders or religious instruction. 
We have tried to make the three soldiers more stupid than the fool, each soldier represents a different manner of stupidity. The captain appears to be brave and confident but is an utter coward. The first crucifier is ambitious and arrogant but he is quick to anger, he is a reflection of the upper class who normally serve as Generals or high ranking officers.
The second crucifier is just a general run of the mill idiot, absent minded, does what he is told (when he is paying attention!). Finally, we have the fool and though he is supposed to be the fool, he is more a jester than someone lacking in intelligence. He is probably the smartest character of the four of us.

Costume designs

To begin with we discussed potential ideas for the costumes of the soldiers. We decided on one of three ideas; traditional Roman centurions, classic English red coats, The Beatles sergeant pepper outfit or modern day military.

After a few discussions this week we ruled out the sergeant peppers and the Roman centurions as they would probably be the hardest costumes to come by. We were pretty much split down the middle as whether to go for the red coats or the modern day military. In the end we had one final discussion and came to conclusion that the modern day 
military would be easier to acquire and work in without having to adapt the scene specifically for the costume.


The Crucifiers
All of the crucifiers will wear a black t-shirt with a camo jacket that I obtained from a member of the cadets unfurchinitly one of the jacits is a difremd patern to the uther to. and black trousers and dark shoes. 

Chief Crucifier
The chief will wear a military beret and a captain mask from the stock characters.

First Crucifier

The first crucifier will be wearing a brighella mask from the stock characters.

Second Crucifier

The second crucifier will be wearing a Zanni mask from the stock characters, the mask will be a pale blue to represent the melancholic tone of the character. At a certain point off stage we will wrap the hands, arms and face in bandages and tying a small piece into a bow around the nose. 

The Fool

Originally we had an idea that the fool could be someone trying to be like the soldiers but getting it wrong; wearing army camo but brightly coloured and wearing dark shorts like the dark trousers of the soldiers but missing the point and probably wearing flip flops. The fool will wear a harlequin mask. We found it hard to find a reasonably priced neon army camo t-shirt so we have considered a few other things. Still keeping the harlequin mask we are going to have the fool in a 'chavvy' tracksuit with a cap. The fool will have bandages wrapped around his arms from wrist to elbow.

                           

Notes from production meetings

12th March 2015

• Masks
  -Everyone to make their own masks.
  -These are to be made as soon as possible.
• Physicality
  -need to rehearse in this position all the time.
  -need at least 3-4 weeks conditioning otherwise it will hurt.
  -Ensure you have put characterisation and physicality in the rehearsal schedule.
• Set
  -Keeping the set that is already in place.
  -Will cover the crash mat with black sheet.
  -Hide the trampette behind something.
• Slapstick
  -could be used to escalate argument?
• Costumes
  -If it impacts on how you perform you need to be rehearsing in this ASAP.
• Music
  -If it's needed it needs to be given to Daniel ASAP in MP3 format.
• Lighting
  -What type is wanted? Theatrical?
  Lighting up the stage looks historically accurate.

19th March 2015

• Set - Complete 17.3.15
• Cross sourced - complete
• Deadline for masks - ASAP
  -Watch videos on Facebook
• Costume/props
  -Need to brought in for rehearsals if it effects performance

26th March 2015

• 5 weeks of rehearsal left - Performance 19th May 2015
• Need to sort out if you are in any other groups performance or if anyone is in yours
  -what is needed?
  -costumes / props
• Write 3/4 lines of self assessment of where you are up to at this point.
• Next week need to work on 2 crowd scenes.
• Andrew's workshop on Monday morning.
• No longer doing Lazarus scene.
• Mask still needs making.
• The set is definitely staying the same for all scenes!
• Is blocking done?
• After Easter - NO scripts on stage (for longer speeches this will be extended)
• Update deadline and rehearsal schedules.

2nd April 2015

• Record in your blog that you have checked your progress against your rehearsal and task list. If needed you can extend your deadlines. You just need to explain the reason why you have had to extend the deadline.
• Set yourself targets for over Easter for anything that you still have to do, make or get hold of.
• Your mask must be ready for when you return after Easter!!
• If you have any props in your scene these also need to be ready for after Easter. 
• Costumes aren't as important as the masks and props but if they affect how you perform they need to be ready for after Easter.
• Come in over Easter break for rehearsals - Tuesday 7th April 2015.
• Have a think about how the different scenes are going to be linked.
  -This can be through cheap slapstick gags - these don't have to be linked to the scene.
  -Can just be a 30 second additional sketch.
• Pre-show in the foyer- this will be improvised but need to decide what characters are going to be doing 

23rd April 2015

• 4 weeks left to production!
• 3 weeks of rehearsals!
• 2 weeks on Tuesday full rehearsal with all the masks.
• In your groups work out the transitions, ready for Mondays and Tuesdays lessons.
• Your Journal must outline your progress made on the tasks, in order to achieve full marks.
• Make sure your know your lines!!!
• All props must be ready!!!
• Monday morning Centre Stage 9-12 noon. Don't be late!

30th April 2015

• Full rehearsal Tuesday 5th May in the afternoon session
• Figure out the scenes which have not been rehearsed.
• Work out the transitions. Use slapstick and comedy between scenes to inject momentum.
• Practice time slots for each scene.
• Monday 11th May, to do full tech- with masks, costumes and props.
• To discuss all details as a group.

12th May 2015

In your Journal:

• Research themes in the text
• Rehearsal reviews after each session or weekly basis
• Record your progress in each session

Responses to feedback must NOT be only one sentence, it needs more detail to analyse and reflect.

Hand in date for coursework 4th June.

Next week: Special entry in your journal. A detailed entry that involves more than one full dress rehearsal information.

• Draw up a checklist for the Show day
• Draw up a checklist for the whole of next week

On the evening of the performance

Produce a checklist for Health & safety, stage building correctly, the correct safety for crash mats, the prop table, the masks and the costumes.

All of the above are performance day etiquette.

Get in - go in and start

Get out - clean and tidy up

Do a physical warm up before the show, your limbs and your vocal chords too.